Masters & Lovers Box Set Three

Bech pushes a vending machine cup at Cappelli. “What’s she saying?”

Cappelli hooks a thumb into a pocket “Never gets any fucking better does it? Denying everything of course. Says she’s being framed.”

Bech barks a laugh. “Of course. Just another victim of a tragic miscarriage of justice.”

“Aren’t they all? Still, looks like that lawyer of hers is going to get her sprung. Bail’s set high but the judge is allowing it. No previous. And it looks like they share a school tie.”

Fuck!

“Who is he? He looked pretty high-class to be the legal for a hooker.”

“Theo Aldred. Subs for Max Devlin. From Hofferman and Partners…”

“Hofferman’s? The prosecutors on the Romani Family case?”

“Yup. Don’t envy him that one. They’ve got all the wits under protection and the judge and lawyers have full surveillance.” Cappelli sucks at the coffee, pulls a face. “Stone-cold… You’re right though. You’d not think he’d turn up for the likes of that one would you?” He tilts the cup at Bech. “I’m going to the machine for another. Want one?”

“Thanks, but no. I’m off in five.”

*****

So, the bitch got herself sprung…

Back in his apartment, Bech paces, curses, bangs his fist on the wall. Then…

The blindingly fuckin’ obvious…

He checks the card index,

And sure enough…

Maximillian Devlin. Lawyer. Married twice. Son by previous.

One daughter by current marriage - favourite topic of conversation. Likes rabbits and pink. Got a pony. Gymkhana. Head girl at Ponterbury.

*****

Michael

disoriented for a moment as I take in stone arches and vaulted ceilings, then brain-cells line up in

covers are rumpled, sheets thrown back, but when I listen, there is a

good look at my Sleeping Beauty. She’s looking better than she has since we returned from

Her father…

Christ…

face has lost that sallow hue, and her

Babe…

high cheekbones with a

my Charlotte…there. Not the stranger who looked out at me for the last few days, but my beautiful wife;

reaching to touch me, she smiles.

stroking her face, “How are

soft and watery. “I’m fine.

nothing to be sorry for. I don’t think any of us would have reacted well to learning what you did.” Tracing a curved brow with the pad of my thumb. “Sometimes life throws shit at us, knocks us down. There's no sin in falling over. Only

her gaze, she

I continue, “you have to be in a better state than that if you really want to get yourself

voice is a

when we talked about it. It’s fine. Just so long as I

my lips across hers. Her hand curves around the back of my head. “Thank you.” She nuzzles into

you too. We both did.” I pull away, holding her gaze. “But I never went away. I never will go away…” She sighs. “And yes, I’ve been looking forward to being back in our own bed too.

creases. “You mean you

and I share a bed when you’re not in it

to disappoint you there.” James holds a tray.

nostrils flare and she sits bolt upright. “God, I’m starving.

James grins. “She’s back.”

*****

Twenty-Six Years Ago